Oscar Mireles is retiring from Omega School after 30 years with a special retirement party at Common Wealth Gallery on Friday, and he is aiming to uplift Latino artists with free studio space and a gallery show accompanied by his own retirement party.
Three Latino artists have been given free studio space at Common Wealth Gallery, 100 S. Baldwin St. Chele Ramos, Issis Macias and Rodrigo Carapia will create individual artworks in their respective styles to be showcased in a gallery show on Nov. 1 after Mireles’ retirement party at the Dia de Los Muertos art exhibition and altar presentation. Mireles, who is an advent supporter of the arts and the founder of Latinos Organizing for Understanding and Development (LOUD), wanted to create an opportunity to uplift and support Latino artists.
Art studio space is limited and expensive, as noted by the artists, coupled with having to pay for their homes and supplies. A search of art studios in Madison ranges from $1 per square foot to $275 with a mix of availability and leases.
(Photo by Omar Waheed)
Mireles offered to provide studio and gallery space for two weeks for the three artists. They will use the space to work on commissions and showcase work during the gallery.
“As a creative mother, and I have a toddler, it’s nice to have a space where I don’t have to worry about her coming in and walking over a painting or knocking down paints and stuff,” Macias said. “That’s huge, but I feel like this creates a sanctuary.”
The artists are grateful for the space — but also for a chance to highlight their work in a space dedicated to them. Like many Latino artists, they find it hard to find opportunities that others would typically be offered.
Often, they struggle to bridge the sense of belonging for their communities. They recall having to expose their community to spaces they aren’t familiar with. However, with a dedicated space for Latino artists to showcase their work, they feel like they can connect with them.
“I think that’s huge. I feel like people of color, when they see artists of color, say, ‘Oh, I can connect. I feel welcome,’” Macias said. “For example, on Day of the Dead you’ll see a lot more Latinos show up to a gallery show, because there’s that connection there to our culture, versus sometimes these other art shows at very important venues like at the Overture Center or even Art Lit Lab, can feel a little bit intimidating.”
The gallery will be on Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates and honors the lives of loved ones who have passed away and where the artists hope their community will come out to connect culturally.
No definitive plans for what work the artists plan to showcase is available yet.
Ramos plans to create something in continuation of her other work. She plans to paint works centered on places in Madison, music and mental health awareness.
Macias likes to work intuitively. Her work is typically colorful and inspired as she goes. She plans to work on vibrant, colorful pieces reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Carapia will work on murals he’s been commissioned for and prepare for a solo show. The large environment at Common Wealth Gallery is perfect for what he needs. Carapia is primarily a muralist who paints works inspired by his Mexican heritage.
The Dia de Los Muertos gallery will be held Nov. 1 at Common Wealth Gallery’s third floor from 7-9 p.m. immediately after Mireles’ retirement party. The gallery is free to attend. No registration is required.
In addition to the exhibition, LOUD will also host a series of interactive workshops and activities where attendees can learn more about the significance of Dia de los Muertos, create their own artwork, and participate in altar-making workshops using recycled materials.
